Reviews

City of Bones by Michael Connelly

neumanzoo's review

Go to review page

3.0

This was another good Bosch book that continues the story of one of my favorite characters. It followed the TV adaptation more closely than the others, but still some big changes. 3.5⭐️

moonystwin's review

Go to review page

mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

beth_books_123's review

Go to review page

4.0

A painful delight - 4*

Hello Connelly! I've missed the zest, excitement and engaging plot that Connelly provides with a Harry Bosch case. The previous couple of novels that I have read have been disappointing to say the least but in this novel I definitely think Connelly has his mojo back.

The plot covered in this novel was dealt with very carefully due to it being such a sensitive matter. The plot had me guessing right until the end of the novel; it was full of meaningful and thought out red herrings. The characters were strong and really impacted on Bosch's life. This is actually quite a surprise from Connelly as females are usually brought in just as a love interest and a distraction from the case at hand which became quite boring. Of course there was romance in this novel but it actually impacted on his decisions, made him question his morals and his love interest was actually a complex character.

Very suitably handled, well done, Connelly!

msarendt's review

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

merrysociopath's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Riletto dopo quindici anni, non mi era rimasto impresso e ora ho chiaro il perché. Troppo campati in aria il mistero e la sua soluzione, mancanti entrambi del solito fair play di Connelly, nonché basata l'ultima su un gioco di parole che si perde con la traduzione in italiano, ci sono anche alcune sottotrame che sembravano promettere bene ma non vanno da nessuna parte (soprattutto quella relativa a Julia Brashier).

emilia128's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

git_r_read's review

Go to review page

4.0

BOT, My first Michael Connelly and definitely not my last.

bfordham's review

Go to review page

5.0

Didn't figure this one out completely before the reveal.

Ending was also very good

laurenjodi's review

Go to review page

4.0

City of Bones
4 Stars

It is a quiet New Years until the call comes in about the discovery of human remains in the Hollywood Hills. When the body is revealed to be that of a young boy who suffered horrific abuse in his short life, Detective Harry Bosch is determined to bring the culprit to justice. Harry also begins a personal relationship with a rookie cop, but a shocking event jeopardizes his future in the department.

While the Harry Bosch books are enjoyable reads, Connelly's writing tends toward the philosophical and often becomes bogged down with Harry's constant psychological musings. That said, City of Bones breaks from this mold as the mystery develops at a solid pace. Unfortunately, it does peter out somewhat toward the end and the resolution is rather anti-climactic.

The secondary storyline involving Harry's relationship with Julia is decidedly weaker as their connection feels contrived and out of place. It is evident throughout the series that this aspect of Connelly's writing is very poor, and he should stick to the investigations and leave the romance to the experts.

In sum, Harry is a very appealing character and the procedural aspects of the investigation are excellent.

thatthomas's review

Go to review page

mysterious medium-paced

4.5